WEEKLY WORSHIP
The Transfiguration parish welcomes her faithful to gather for worship. The Parish Council has carefully prepared to receive our faithful for services. Seating is limited based on social distancing protocols and everyone must wear a mask. These protocols have been established to help protect and keep safe all who gather for worship. During the summer months when attendance tends to be a bit lower everything has gone smoothly. We caution those who have underlying conditions to exercise caution in making the decision to participate.
If you would like more information or have any questions about the attending services, do not hesitate to contact the parish office or Fr. Tom by phone or email. You can find the reopening protocol and information on our website. Please share this information with those you know who do not use email or are not on our contact list.
WEEKDAY LITURGIES IN SEPTEMBER
We will celebrate Divine Liturgies for two feasts during the upcoming weeks. On Tuesday, September 8, we will celebrate the feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos. On Monday, September 14, we will celebrate the feast of the Holy Cross.
If you have not been able to attend services on Sundays because of underlying conditions or simply because you don't feel comfortable, these services may be a great opportunity for you to attend. The number of faithful during weekday services is small. You will need to follow all the protocols like wearing a mask and sitting in designated pews. If you still don't feel comfortable attending, feel free to watch services online.
WATCH ONLINE
We continue to live stream services of our parish. The services can be found on the internet by logging on to www.youtube.com/TransGOC or www.facebook.com/transchurch. A weekly list of services can be found on our website www.transchurch.org and on the calendar below.
Recorded services from our parish can be found on www.YouTube.com/transGOC . If you are unable to watch live, you can watch the service at a later time. For those who do not have internet and are Comcast customers, you may be able to watch some services on local cable access television. Please consult your local listings for times.
HELP ONLINE
Many still do not feel comfortable physically attending services, but would still like to light a candle or support the parish. Your continued generosity is greatly appreciated. We encourage your continued use of our secure online giving platform for single or repeating donations, https://transchurch.churchgiving.com. Of course, you are still welcome to mail in a check to make your donation.
1) To light a vigil candle, please contact Pat Mahoney (pmahoney7@comcast.net or 978-436-0998) or the church office (info@transchurch.org or 978-458-4321). Pat will make sure that your vigil candle is lit for you. Donation: $10. As with all donations, you can mail in a check or you can make a donation online.
2) You are able to make your stewardship, offering basket, candle, memorial, special event, or general donations by using our secure website. Your donations help support the ministries of the parish. Although you may not be in the church building, essential ministries of the parish continue.
3) The Parish Council is exploring a more permanent source for live streaming services. We hope to continue this ministry, but to do so will need to invest in some new technology. If you are interested in supporting this ministry financially or participating in the production aspect, please speak with Fr. Tom.
PARISH OFFICE IS REMOTE
Our parish office is currently open remotely Tuesday through Friday from 9 am to 1 pm. If you need to come to the office, please call and set up an appointment. It may take a little longer to provide you with some of the information, but we will strive to do so in a timely fashion.
OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES
We are called as Christians to take care of one another; friends, family, and stranger. If you, or anyone you know is having difficulties because of the COVID-19 crisis, please let us know. We know that there are those who would never think of asking for help while facing financial difficulties. We are here to help, as we are able.
If you wish to help, we welcome your donations. You can send a donation to the church or go online and donate by clicking on the Outreach Donation button and make your one-time, or recurring donation. Large or small, your donation can make a difference. Thank you in advance.
TRANSFIGURATION GOLF TOURNAMENT
The Transfiguration Golf Tournament committee is busy planning another exciting and enjoyable day. As one can imagine, planning this event has become very challenging. The committee is doing all it can to make sure that everyone will enjoy the event. We have reached the maximum number of golfers.
This event is an important fundraiser for the parish and a great way to share fellowship. We look to the faithful of the parish to become sponsors of the event. There are many levels of giving available, from Tee Sponsor to Major Benefactor. Please visit our website for more information, or download the 2020 golf brochure.
THE SUNDAY SCHOOL YEAR IS AT HAND
The new school year is upon us. Public schools have had to address just how the classroom will work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some have determined that virtual classrooms are the safest way to start the year. Others have established a hybrid schedule and still others are attempting to return back in-person.
The Sunday School staff is in the process of determining just what our school year will look like. This is very difficult. One of the key factors is trying to gauge our limited church attendance in relation to student numbers. We are looking at all possibilities.
Normally we start classes the second Sunday of September. This year we are aiming to start the School Year on Sunday, October 4th. Watch for more information in the coming weeks.
TRANSFIGURATION HOSTS BLOOD DRIVES
Since April, the Transfiguration parish has teamed up with the Red Cross and is hosting blood drives. During the pandemic, the Red Cross has had difficulty finding places to host blood drives because so many facilities are closed, but the need for blood is ongoing.
If you are interested in donating go to redcrossblood.org and put in the church’s zip code, 01854, in the search bar. The next blood drive is Friday, September 11.
CENSUS DEADLINE – SEPTEMBER 30
The deadline for the 2020 US Census is quickly arriving. If you have not yet completed the 2020 Census, it is important that you do so. It takes only a couple of minutes to complete. Go to www.2020census.gov or call 844-330-2020. Multiple languages, including Greek, are available to complete the census. Do your part and complete the census TODAY!
STEWARDSHIP PRAYER
Lord Jesus Christ, our God, accept our offerings as You accepted the gifts of Your people throughout the ages. We offer these gifts to Your glory, for the support of the ministries of Your holy Church, for the alleviation of suffering and hunger, and for the proclamation of Your Gospel to the whole world.
Grant us Your blessing, Lord our Savior, that we may always be faithful stewards, continuing to share the gifts you have given us, by the power of Your grace, mercy and love. May Your name be glorified forever. Amen.
Trinity votive candles (To Sponsor a Candle please call the Church Office.)
†Vigil Light at the Side Altar (Icon of the Theotokos): Available
†Vigil Light at the Icon of Christ: In Loving Memory of Deborah Victoria Skrekas and George Skrekas
†Vigil Light at the Theotokos: In Loving Memory of Ioannis "John" Zaralidis from his family
†Vigil Light at the Icon of the Forerunner: In Loving Memory of Angelike Flanagan
†Vigil Light at the Foot of the Holy Cross: Available
